Saturday: News & Notes from rookie mini camp

Former Oregon State and 7th round draft pick Sammie Stroughter has been putting on an impressive showing thus far through two days of rookie mini, some much so that he could presumably battle for the vacated slot receiver role.

Stroughter, who battled clincial depression after lossing several family members in 2007, rebounded after sitting out his junior season to consentrate on getting his life in order with a 70 catch, 1,040 yards and seven touchdowns in 2008, only to see his stock drop to the last round of the draft.

With precise route running, sure hands and an ability to create after the catch the emotional leader has been a pleasent surprise to his new coaching staff.

“Stroughter’s been one of the pleasant surprises of the camp,” coach Raheem Morris said. “You talk about mentally tough, talk about a guy who can go inside and make plays and get vertical, he’s impressive. I like everything about him.” Source: St.PeteTimes.com

Former 2008 4th round pick Dre Moore flash potential, but still needs to do

Moore still not there just yet

it consistently, Morris isn’t ready to put all his eggs in Moore’s basket just yet, but does offer Moore hints that if he can put it all together he is willing to lean on the former Maryland product.

“I was going to talk about Dre Moore in a positive light today,” said Morris. “I’m starting to see flashes from Dre Moore and I’m starting to see things from him that I like. I’m starting to want to count on him. I’m not saying I count on him yet, but I want to count on him. The guy has done nothing but come to work everyday. He’s working hard. He just doesn’t know how to work really hard yet. He doesn’t know how to lock in and be focused, but he’s starting to do that. I’m feeling really good about him. I’m hoping to be able to tell you the next time I talk with [the media] that I’m starting to count on Moore, but right now I’m wanting to.”

“If guys are mentally weak enough to think about that it’s their issue. I can’t deal with that,” said Morris. “This is an opportunity. You come out and you compete and play hard. You don’t have many opportunities to do this thing. Every opportunity you get you should take advantage of it. That’s what I hope he’s doing.”

“I was here last year and watched the same stuff Coach Gruden watched,” said Morris. “I wanted to fight him he was so out of shape. That’s not even close to an issue right now. I’m worried about him finishing the last play in practice just like he does the first play. I just want him to maintain that mental toughness and go through it.” Source: PewterReport.com

With the team thin on experience after starter Chris Hovan, the defensive tackle position should be a spectacal to watch come training camp with Ryan Sims, Greg Peterson, Dre Moore and Roy Miller battling to see who will emerge as the other DT.

Marshall McDuffie, not willing to let past get in the way of future, after a

After being dismissed from FIU, he decided to set the record staright and prove to the world he was not a so called thug, as some football coaches and atheltic directors viewed him as.

Morris trying his hand at being a quarterback

Head Coach Raheem Morris had some fun on Saturday, after firing an errant pass, he came back and delivered a strike which he began to boast about, but a top level quarterback he is not, after throwing out the per game pitch for the Rays, in which he also bounced it up to the plate, he claims it was just bad coaching.

E.J. Biggers looks to impress the coaching staff with his quick feet, but gives

With some many news face and openings across the board, it should be one of the more exciting training camps in the past several years, whats not to get excited about, new coach, new schemes, future franchise quarterback, and just the chance to watch the young players grow into new roles.